How can you build resilience to avoid burnout in your career?

One thing that seems to be the most difficult for many professionals, especially high performers, is that we set goals, expectations, and plans according to who we want to be, not who we are. We often expect of ourselves a certain level that would constitute us being at our best, which, let's be honest, is not the default for our organism. We tell ourselves that we can push it, that if we optimize X, we can plain-in the Y. Instead of accepting that to be at our best we need to choose between X and Y. It's a mental trap where we tend to belive by resigning from something, we are showing to the world that we are not all that perfect, whereas by accepting that additional thing you're depleting your cognitive resources to be at your true best.

Boundaries are your superpower. But knowing where to draw the line isn't enough. Here's the secret sauce: Identify your limits: Are you a "yes" machine? Do deadlines haunt your dreams? Take a deep breath and reflect. What drains your energy? What fuels it? Communicate clearly: Don't expect mind-reading. Be upfront with colleagues and clients. No vague hints, just "My end time is X, unless it's an emergency." Hold the line (with kindness): Boundaries wobble, it's normal! Gently remind yourself and others when lines are crossed. Remember, respect is a two-way street. Bonus tip: Celebrate your boundaries! They're not walls, they're bridges to a healthier, happier you.

Self-care at work is just as important as self-care at home in building resilience and avoiding burnout. Taking the time and creating an environment where you can engage in deep breathing exercises or short meditations during breaks or before important meetings can help. I find that even just 2-10 minutes help me manage work-induced anxiety and set me up for success. Affirmations can also be powerful coping tools. Phrases like, "I am a strong public speaker" before delivering an important presentation or " I am smart, capable and worthy" before entering a performance discussion can give you the confidence and level-headedness to shine in those situations. Affirmations can help you coach and support yourself through stressful moments.

Embracing a growth mindset is so important! When you adopt the belief that challenges or setbacks are not failures, you begin to see the opportunity for learning and growth. This mindset is crucial in stakeholder management, where complex and dynamic situations are the norm. Viewing difficulties as learning experiences rather than insurmountable obstacles can keep you energized and engaged and help reduce the stress and burnout.

Seeing challenges as opportunities for improvement is a key mindset shift. Seeking feedback, learning from mistakes, and celebrating achievements are crucial practices. Also, linking personal growth to professional development opportunities adds a tangible dimension. Identify relevant courses, workshops, or experiences that align with individual growth goals

Seeking support within the workplace can take many forms. It could be about fostering a culture of open communication where employees feel comfortable sharing their struggles. Leaders and managers play a crucial role here. They can create an environment where asking for help is encouraged and not seen as a weakness. This might involve regular check-ins with team members, offering resources for professional development, or simply being approachable and empathetic. Another aspect of seeking support is collaboration and delegation. Understanding that you don’t have to shoulder every responsibility alone is crucial. Delegating tasks not only helps distribute the workload but also empowers others by entrusting them with responsibilities.

Online communities and forums can extend your reach and provide diverse perspectives. Additionally, promoting a culture of peer support within your workplace can enhance resilience collectively. Moreover, emphasizing mental health resources in the form of Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) or workshops can contribute significantly. A proactive approach to mental well-being can fortify individual and team resilience.

Fuel Resilience, Dodge Burnout: - Set clear work-life boundaries. Learn to say no when needed. - Embrace mindfulness practices to stay present and manage stress. - Prioritise self-care routines to recharge mentally and physically. - Keep skills sharp and stay engaged with evolving industry trends. - Share the load. Delegate tasks to maintain a sustainable workload. - Acknowledge achievements, no matter how small, to stay motivated. - Adapt to change and foster a flexible mindset to navigate challenges. - Cultivate a strong support network for encouragement and advice. - Regularly assess goals, adjusting as needed to align with personal values. - Pursue hobbies outside work for a well-rounded, fulfilling life.